Our Journey Back to Canada

The trip back to Canada usually takes us two days. However, this time we wanted to check out a few more things so it took us 6 days on the road.

Travelling through the Sand Hills of Nebraska. Stopping at Wounded Knee momuntarily before carrying onwards.

We headed to the Mammoth Site and World Fossil Finder Museum in the Black Hills of South Dakota.

We took a 20 minute helicopter ride with Black Hills Aerial Adventures. Giving us spectacular views of Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse. If you are in the area, we highly recommend taking the tour.

  

Our Journey to Roswell, New Mexico

June 5th, 2025 as we were enjoying our breakfast at IHop in Owasso, Oklahoma, we decided to pack up and head off to visit Roswell, New Mexico. Within a couple hours we were ready to go. 

A very spur-of-the-moment decision. The scenic drive was beautiful and the temperature was hot. 

We spent the first night in Canyon, Texas, as we encountered a severe thunderstorm. The lightning show was spectacular. Some areas on the road had flooded with all that hail and rain.

Roswell has sure gone all out with the alien theme and is doing quite well with it. There is everything there for anyone who wants alien souveniers. 

The crash never happened in Roswell but the wreckage was brought to one of the hangers there. That's about it. You need to drive 75 miles near Corona to view the crash site. You can't drive all the way. There is a place to park at the gate. You must hike a mile to get to the crash site. It was very hot out. We covered our heads and made sure we brought plenty of water.

We signed the book in the geocache. The plaque had been removed but you can still see where it once stood. Not sure if that's ever going to be replaced.

Oklahoma - Over a month of adventures

 

I've recently returned from a trip to the states to spend time with my husband. Starting off with a medieval fair in Muskogee Oklahoma, our adventures also took us to Texas, New Mexico, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana and North Dakota. Stay tuned as I will be sharing some of our highlights with you in separate posts. 

Barb Cecil

Arkansas - Pea Ridge National Military Park

Things To Do

The Battle that saved Missouri for the Union. 

On March 7th and 8th 1862, over 23,000 soldiers fought here to decide the fate of Missouri which was the turning point of the war in the Trans-Mississippi. This 4,300 acre battlefield honors those who fought and died on these hallowed grounds. Pea Ridge was the most pivotal Civil War battle west of the Mississippi River. 

You can read more about the history and culture on their website here.

Richard and I arrived at the park with one hour to spare before closing time. We were pushed for time trying to take everything in. We will definitely have to come back.

Arkansas - Crater of Diamonds State Park

Things To Do

Upon hearing where we were going, I had envisioned something like a large crater impact site with rocky edges. I must admit I was a tad bit disappointed when I saw a plowed field. None the less, it was enjoyable :)

People travel from all over to visit Murfreesboro, Arkansas to search for diamonds in a 37-acre field of an original volcanic source. Crater of Diamonds is a one-of-a-kind experience.

You can bring your own mining tools as long as they are not battery operated or motor driven, or you can rent tools from the park.

In the visitor center you can view real uncut diamonds, interact with the exhibits and learn about rocks and minerals found at the park.

Since Crater of Diamonds became a park in 1972, over 35,000 diamonds have been found. Including the largest diamond ever to have been unearthed in the US, the 40.23-carat Uncle Sam.

Oklahoma - Exploring Lake Oologah

Things To Do

Lake Oologah is a reservoir in northeastern Oklahoma. It is located near the towns of Oologah, Nowata, and Claremore. The lake has a surface of 29,500 acres (119 km2) of water and 209 miles (336 km) of shoreline with 11 lake-side parks. The lake is formed along the Verdigris River, and is a source of water for the Tulsa Metropolitan Area. The purpose of the dam and lake is flood control, water supply, navigation, recreation, and fish and wildlife.

The dam and lake were built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, who still administer it. Construction began in 1950. In 1963, the majority of the project was complete and all facilities were in 1974.

Recreation opportunities include a swimming beach, mountain biking, marina, RV and tent camping, picnic tables and a playground. On the east side of the lake, the Will Rogers Country Centennial Trail winds around the shore from the Spillway to Blue Creek Park totaling 18 miles.

Time to deal with aggressive wasps and hornets

Out Of Interest

As you've probably noticed, wasps and hornets are starting to get aggressive. Everytime I step outside on to my porch they buzz and fly around me. A few times they have even tapped me. Threatening they will attack. I am allergic to their stings.

The main reason they become aggressive this time of year is because as the weather cools their food source becomes scarce and competition gets fierce.

For the wasps, the Queen has stopped laying eggs. The larvae no longer provide a food source for the adult wasps. Lack of food makes for more aggressive, angry wasps. 

They are looking for sugar and protein.

You don't want to be near their nests. They will protect it fiercely and will proceive you as a threat.